Former college football coach Steve Spurrier has expressed skepticism about Arch Manning’s readiness to start as Texas’ quarterback, citing the Longhorns’ decision to play Quinn Ewers over Manning for two seasons despite Manning’s potential. Spurrier questioned why Ewers, a seventh-round NFL Draft pick, was given more playing time than Manning, who has shown flashes of talent but remains unproven as a starter.
Arch Manning, once the most sought-after high school recruit in the nation, committed to Texas, home of the Longhorns. When Ewers was selected in the seventh round of the NFL Draft, it opened the door for Manning to become Texas’ starting quarterback. However, Manning’s limited playing time over the past two seasons has raised questions about his readiness for the role.
Spurrier, who coached the Florida Gators to a national championship in 1996, criticized the coaching staff’s decision to play Ewers over Manning. During a recent appearance on the podcast ‘Another Dooley Noted,’ Spurrier questioned why the Longhorns’ coaching staff elected to start Ewers when Manning’s potential was so highly regarded. ‘Most people are picking Texas to win the SEC in football,’ Spurrier said. ‘They’ve got Arch Manning already winning the Heisman, too. My question is, if he was this good, how come they let Quinn Ewers play all the time last year? He was a seventh-round pick?’ Spurrier continued, suggesting that the decision to play Ewers might be based on the belief that he was better, or possibly a lack of discipline.
Manning, 19, faced questions about whether he would leave Texas for another program that would give him an opportunity to play immediately. However, Manning reaffirmed his commitment to the Longhorns and expressed his desire to remain at Texas. ‘I want to be the quarterback at the University of Texas,’ he said.
Manning appeared in 10 games last season, including two he started in place of an injured Ewers. He finished the 2024 season with 939 passing yards, nine touchdowns, and two interceptions. Manning also demonstrated his athleticism by rushing for 108 yards and four touchdowns.